Toykea Jones Foundation

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My philanthropic work stems from my belief of giving back to the community that defined and shaped me. Early in my childhood, I witnessed my mother, Alisa Young, volunteer on a daily basis at the local recreation center in Norfolk, VA. for more than ten years. I knew from that moment that life wasn't about taking and receiving selfishly but about giving yourself to others for the betterment of that person.

Upon my graduation from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, VA., I was awarded over eight academic scholarships which allowed me to attend Old Dominion University (ODU) in 1999. By 2005, I had graduated from ODU with a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Environmental Engineering. Additionally, I became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world.

Our sisterhood has programs based upon our Five Point Programmatic Thrust:

Economic Development

Educational Development

International Awareness and Involvement

Physical and Mental Health

Political Awareness and Involvement

In 2010, I partnered with ODU to create the Toykea S. Jones Endowed Scholarship in Engineering, which will be endowed with $25,000 over a five - year period and awarded to financially-needy high school graduates who undertake full-time engineering studies. My second endowment of $25,000 will begin in January 2014 under the Toykea S. Jones Endowed Scholarship in Supply Chain Management. The finicial aid office at ODU selects the recipeint of both endowments.

The Toykea S Jones Foundation Scholarship Application was created in 2012 to provide a high school student majoring in Engineering at a Virginia College or University, with a book stipend for two semesters. The TSJ Foundation Selection Committee selects the recipient of the annual foundation scholarship.

My membership with the Advisory Board for the College of Engineering and Technology at Old Dominion University began in 2012. As an Executive Committee member, my responsibilities include providing advice to the Dean as well as partner to shape the future of the University.